Hellyers Road 12 Year Old 2004 vs Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Hellyers Road 12 Year Old 2004Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
DistilleryHellyers RoadDalmore
RegionHighland
CountryAustraliaScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV64.5%46%
Age12 yr23 yr
Price£187.79£124.18
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Hellyers Road 12 Year Old 2004

Smoke64/100
Sweetness51/100
Beginner25/100
Value27/100

Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner75/100
Value40/100

Hellyers Road 12 Year Old 2004

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is better value at £124 vs £188.

For beginners: Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Hellyers Road 12 Year Old 2004

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (64.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£187.79 vs £124.18)

Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£124.18 vs £187.79)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Hellyers?

Hellyers Road 12 Year Old 2004 is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Dalmore?

Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Only Hellyers Road 12 Year Old 2004

SmokeyToastedMalt ExtractHoneyFresh Fruit

Only Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

SherriedOld WoodChocolateDried FruitVanilla

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